Airmen reflect on friend’s death Published June 10, 2005 By 1st Lt. Kimberly Champagne 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. (AFPN) -- The base lost a valued member in a car accident Memorial Day weekend. As grief hangs heavy over Shaw, leaders, co-workers and friends continue to ask why.Senior Airman Justin Morrow, 55th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, died from injuries sustained while traveling at night. He was not wearing his seat belt.The three passengers in Airman Morrow's vehicle, all of whom were wearing seat belts, walked away with scrapes and bruises.“I was asleep in the passenger’s seat until I heard a ‘boom,’” said Senior Airman Jose Perez. “The car ended up on its side, and we climbed out the window to get out. We noticed Justin wasn’t moving, so we called 911 and kicked in the windshield. The steering wheel prevented us from getting him out. I tried to maneuver and give him CPR. After awhile, we noticed he had no pulse. We felt so powerless.”“Before joining the Air Force, I never really wore (a seat belt),” said Airman 1st Class Chris Grantz, who was riding in the backseat of the car. “I had been in accidents before and wasn't sure it made a difference. I wore mine because on base I have to, and I just got into the habit of wearing it. In that one instance, it saved my life.”Although people here are shocked and saddened by the loss of one of their own, those riding with Airman Morrow that night seem to be suffering the most.“It's just hard,” Airman Grantz said. “I would never want anyone to see the things that happened or feel the way I felt. Words can't describe it.”“Justin always looked out for me,” Airman Perez said. “I wish I would have checked to see if he was wearing a seat belt.”Base leaders have put out numerous safety messages emphasizing the “wingman” concept hoping to save lives.Positive peer pressure, personal accountability and wingmen taking care of each other are messages leaders said they want all Airmen to read and heed.“People are dying,” said Col. Philip Ruhlman, 20th Fighter Wing commander. “What will it take for us to take care of ourselves and each other?”The safety messages put out referred to people who had either made poor decisions or did not receive the appropriate support from their wingmen.“Getting in someone's face and insisting they do the right thing won't be comfortable,” Colonel Ruhlman said. “But what's the alternative? Gambling with a friend's life? We must have the courage to confront our friends and co-workers when they are making bad decisions.”Looking back, Airman Morrow’s friends said they wish they had thought more about their driving situation before they got in the car that fateful night. They said all they can do now is help keep others from suffering the way they have.“I want to help as many people as I can because, until you have been through it, you don't take it to heart,” said Senior Airman Zachary Watts, who sat behind Airman Morrow in the car that night.These Airmen, who are all from the 55th AMU, said they will be sharing their story in the hopes of preventing future accidents. They also said they will never think twice about buckling up.“I hope one person learns from this experience. I did,” Airman Grantz said.